Looking Back With A Smile

Saints, we've made it! 2012 is fading into the past, and we are looking into a whole new year.

As we move forward, it's important to celebrate what we have gotten accomplished this past year. So often people look backwards with regret. We look back with sadness thinking of all the things that haven't happened, things we didn't do, places we didn't go, and all of those instances where we were disappointed.

But today, let's think back on 2012 with some pride. Let's enjoy what we did do, let's take note of what was accomplished, let's smile about those beautiful memories we were able to make this past year. We just completed 365 days of life! There's some greatness tucked in those days, and we should acknowledge that fact.

Personally, I'm thankful for the opportunities that I was given to speak and preach this past year. I love ministering God's Word, and I welcome every opportunity I receive to share what God has revealed to me. It's a privilege and an honor, and I'm thankful that God has blessed me to participate in such a way in the body of Christ.

I'm also pretty proud of how well I did in seminary this year. With everything that has been going on, I was still able to maintain my A/B status, and I am on track to graduate this summer. I have learned so much in my classes! Everything that I'm learning only reignites my passion to share the gospel with truth and clarity.

Lastly, I'm grateful that I was able to show love to an amazing man - my father. I'm not sitting here with regret over something I didn't say, or full of guilt because of an argument that was left unresolved... every day I was able to serve him, show him affection, and give him the honor he was due because of how he loved and raised me as my dad. I am reassured and at peace because I know that he is with my Heavenly Father, and I will see him again.

There's a host of things both big and small that I could list in addition to these. But, my aim is for you to reminisce on what you've done this year. What are you proud of? What made you happy? How did you grow? What did you learn? What are the sunny days and happy times of 2012 that you're pleased about?

Take some time and think back with a smile on your face. Let's go into the New Year with some joy!

Verse of the Day: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8